I initially offered the Mrs a "Date Night" since this was the Valentine's Day weekend and The Pig and the Lady had a special multi-course meal over the weekend. But she actually wanted to see what "The Familia" had planned and since Chef Keith was offering a wild boar sausage cassoulet on Saturday, everyone decided that Vino it was on Saturday. As an added bonus, R was in town to start house shopping since his Kapolei project officially started and it would be a multi-year undertaking... and commuting from Arizona to the 50th isn't really realistic. Of course, we started with some bubbly since this weekend was the "official" anniversary weekend for the K's.
I then uncorked a recently purchased bottle of 2012 Miraval Coteaux Varois Blanc notably from the estate of Brangelina. Mostly Vermentino with nice mineral and floral notes and food friendly but at $30 per, a little above what I would consider a good price for the wine.
We then ordered several different specials to start the evening including the Charred Broccoli which is blanched then lightly grilled served with smoked golden raisins - I could have a plateful of this just by myself.
The Alaskan King Crab Salad with compressed watermelon
And the Smoked Scarmorza Salad with grilled red onions and arugula. I really enjoyed this dish as it paired nicely with both the white and red wines we uncorked.
We also uncorked an Autonom Law of Proportions Syrah which was a MASSIVE wine... you almost had to chew this bad boy. K loved it so much, she immediately called R. Fields to order more.
While I uncorked a 1993 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape which was the total opposite, earth, tar and leather notes with a smooth palate flow and medium finish. If you have some in your cellar, uncork now as it may not last another couple of years. And ironically, the Perrin family who created this wine also make the Miraval wines for Brangelina...
We also uncorked a 2009 Moulin de Blanchon Haut-Medoc
For the Grilled Cumin Scented Pork Ribs... as tender as ribs get with the meat just fallin' off the bone! The apple slaw served with the ribs were also the perfect complement to balance the rich flavors of Mr Porky.
The Artichoke and Tomato Pizza
And the Fermin Iberico Ham
Since Chuck recommended big, rustic wines for the cassoulet, I uncorked a 2003 Domaine Tempier La Tourtine which opened up as the evening wore on.
V uncorked a 2000 LaJota Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc which still seemed like a baby and easily could go for another 10 years.
While K uncorked a Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie
For the piece de resistance, the Wild Boar Cassoulet
Though E selected the Balsamic Glazed Shinsato Pork Ribeye
Surprisingly the girls all skipped dessert though several chocolates were passed around the table including the Mrs' Vestri which she said isn't sold by Needless markup anymore. And of course we finished the evening with a couple rounds of bubbly including a Vilmart Cuvee Rubis 1er Cru Rose
And a J. Lassalle 1er Cru Rose
And once again, when you break bread and uncork wines with great friends... well, that's what life is all about...
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